One of the first challenges is to find my original photos...The last time I went to Provence was in 2009, and I was not doing digital photography just yet, and was still content to use my Nikon F60.So, I had to spend some time shiffling through quite a large collection of prints and CDs...and that involves a big trip down "memory lane"...Why taking this challenge now? Well, it was triggered by an article in our local newspaper, The Sydney Morning Herald and it is thirty days to my birthday, so it will give you a chance to save for a gift! Just kidding...

My Nikon F60 after 10 years of good service, as seen by its digital replacement, an Olympus EPL-1

Episode 1 - Our journey starts in Paris

The TGV station at CDG airport

Chances are that wherever you are reading my prose, a trip to France will certainly either arriving or departing from Paris, and frankly who would miss the pleasure of spending a few days there when coming all the way from across the World?And if you are on your way to the South of France, then you will take the TGV from Gare de Lyon in the 12th arrondissement and debark 2h40mm later in Avignon.So, it might be a good idea to stay near by and stay for instance atPavillon Saint Louis Bastille.It is close to the station, the Opera Bastille, the Marais is not far awayand there are many buses and metro stations within walking distance.After a night at the Opera, it might be a good idea to dine in style at the station, at Le Train Bleu restaurant.There are dozens of more affordable options around - just open your eyes and be prepared for a good time!

Over the last couple of years "commuting" to France to take care of my Dad , and spending a few days in Paris on the way, I usually stayed with a good friend in Versailles.This year though, he had just bought a new appartment meters away from the previous one, but in dire need of renovation. So this was not really an option...Besides, I had a lot of meetings for my other blog, most taking place in the East of Paris, so I decided to find a small hotel near Gare de Lyon and Bastille, and I found a little gem on tripadvisor.com - The Pavillon Saint Louis Bastille, old stone walls, tiny but confortable room. Only complaint was that their WiFi connection was not working in the room, apparently a temporary problem due to a change of provider. Nice little breakfast room at the front of the hotel where the service was lovely and the fare quite adequate, although cooked breakfast is not available. It seems to be very popular with Dutch people, a sign of good value!.It is walking distance from three Metro stations: Ledru Rollin, Gare de Lyon and Bastille a bit further away, so really convenient.Also, walking distance to Rue Cremieux - see photo on the left _ a very charming street lined up with plant pots, quite like a London mews.There is quite a collection of good brasseries, small bistrots and also the Train Bleu in the Gare de Lyon itself.If you keep coming back and check my "Restaurants" page, then you will see my reviews of the ones I tried.Near by Bastille, there is a BIG market, with 6 kms (!) of stalls on the Thursday and Sunday - don't miss it!In the meantime, here are some photos and later on, see my review on our "Markets" page.